Waldorf Astoria Blamed for Family’s Bedbugs

A Nassau County mother alleges a one-night stay at New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel resulted in her six-year-old daughter being bitten by bedbugs — and the critters returning home with them.

Susanne Igneri filed a complaint last week in Nassau County Supreme Court against the luxury hotel, which is owned and operated by Hilton Worldwide. She says since the family’s Feb. 20 stay at the Waldorf, she has incurred more than $13,000 in expenses and damages.

In a statement, Waldorf Astoria officials said they were unaware of the lawsuit and “cannot speak to its merits.” The statement added, “The management of the Waldorf Astoria takes the issue of bedbugs very seriously as the safety and comfort of our guests are our top priorities.”

In a letter dated Oct. 20, a week after the lawsuit was filed, Abalon Exterminating Co., contracted by the Waldorf, wrote that a technician “performed a complete detailed inspection” of the Igneris’ room days after their departure. “All areas of the room were inspected with no evidence of any infestation found,” said the letter, a copy of which was provided to The Wall Street Journal by Hilton.